Forum Discussion

Sandra_M's avatar
Sandra_M
Member
11 years ago

Starting chemo

I'm starting chemo today and am feeling anxious, nervous and worried. How everybody else feels I'm sure when they embark on this. Ths site at least has positive experiences of people who have undergone the course of treatment that I'm going to have, thank heavens for that.

If anybody reads this who has also gone down the path that I'm gooing I'd really like to hear from you, advice and suggestions are all welcome.

chemotherapy

8 Replies

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago
    Kind of like a trial run!!!!! I am sure that next week you will feel much less anxious.The heart scan is very important,so it's good you are getting it.By the way,it is a VERY boring test as you have to lay very still for a long time!Cheers xoxRobyn
  • Sandra_M's avatar
    Sandra_M
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone that's responded to me today. I must admit, I was very reuctant to post anything, but family is Oz is limited to me and my 2 daughters and I felt a broader support base of people who can share their experiences, give advice and generally be sounding boards would help me. And ladies you haven't let me down. Today in fact turned out to be a bit of an anti-climax. I turned up for my appointment, took my pre-meds went into the chemo suite and, after a struggle located a vein that they could use even though it had a bend in it. The fluids were going through then we talked about the heart scan. I'm not getting this done until Wednesday ( I only saw the medical omcologist on Thursday and found out that they wanted to start chemo today, on Friday at 4.55!) Any way the outcome was that the decision was made not to commence chemo until next Wednesday when the heart scan is done and the port inserted. Hopefully I'll get a better night's sleep next Tuesday knowing a little bit more about waht's going to happen.

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago
    Sandra,welcome to the online network.This will become like a second family,and you Will get so much support and comfort here.I had chemo almost 12 months ago,and I was scared witless!!!!!I remember that first one so clearly,and waiting for that' something' to happen!!!My experience was like this.After chemo,and for about 3 days,you feel pretty good,because you take Dexamethasone ,which is a steroid.You also won't sleep much,so lots of magazines,or you can come on here at 3 in the morning!!! There is usually someone who is going through the same thing! After you stop the Dex,you start to feel the tiredness and perhaps other symptoms like ... Yucky mouth,sore throat,skin rashes( stock up on Zyrtec) food cravings,aches and pains,maybe constipation or diarrhoea.Take your medication that they give you for any of these things,BEFORE you have symptoms.I took medication for constipation the day after chemo.Its better than waiting for something to happen.Day 9 or 10 you usually start to feel a bit better,but this is when you need to stay away from lots of people,as your immune system is down,for about a week.Then the third week and you feel great and you think,' I can do,this!!' then it starts again!!!! Stay in touch on here and let us support you as you go along.Before you know it,you will be finished and you will be on here helping other newly diagnosed ladies.Take care.Cheers xoxRobyn
  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago
    Sandra,welcome to the online network.This will become like a second family,and you Will get so much support and comfort here.I had chemo almost 12 months ago,and I was scared witless!!!!!I remember that first one so clearly,and waiting for that' something' to happen!!!My experience was like this.After chemo,and for about 3 days,you feel pretty good,because you take Dexamethasone ,which is a steroid.You also won't sleep much,so lots of magazines,or you can come on here at 3 in the morning!!! There is usually someone who is going through the same thing! After you stop the Dex,you start to feel the tiredness and perhaps other symptoms like ... Yucky mouth,sore throat,skin rashes( stock up on Zyrtec) food cravings,aches and pains,maybe constipation or diarrhoea.Take your medication that they give you for any of these things,BEFORE you have symptoms.I took medication for constipation the day after chemo.Its better than waiting for something to happen.Day 9 or 10 you usually start to feel a bit better,but this is when you need to stay away from lots of people,as your immune system is down,for about a week.Then the third week and you feel great and you think,' I can do,this!!' then it starts again!!!! Stay in touch on here and let us support you as you go along.Before you know it,you will be finished and you will be on here helping other newly diagnosed ladies.Take care.Cheers xoxRobyn
  • Jess_BCNA's avatar
    Jess_BCNA
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Sandra M, Jess from BCNA here - just wanted to say hello/welcome to the online network, I hope the network gives you a place to connect with others just like rowdy and share your experiences. Just want to let you know that If you need a hand with anything just give me a shout : ) Jess x

  • Jess_BCNA's avatar
    Jess_BCNA
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Sandra M, Jess from BCNA here - just wanted to say hello/welcome to the online network, I hope the network gives you a place to connect with others just like rowdy and share your experiences. Just want to let you know that If you need a hand with anything just give me a shout : ) Jess x

  • Sandra_M's avatar
    Sandra_M
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thank you for your kind thoughts. I'm taking my daughters with me and they are wonderful supporters. It is really that fear of the unknown and how it's all going to impact on you that I worry about.

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi today will be the hardest as you are unsure of what to expect. When I had my chemo  I found the hardest part was walking in the door of the oncollogy unit. My husband came with me and the nurses were fantastic. The nurses monitor every moment. I was lucky as the nurses I had made me feel comfortable and we even had a laugh. For me laughter has helped me get through this trip.

    It i simportant that you look after yourself after chemp as everyone has different side effects. My trip had a few hic ups but i finished and survived for the next step. Take each day as a new and be kind to yourself as you are going to have alot of ups and downs.

    Iam on herceptin and tamoxifan at the moment and going in tomorrow for the rest of my reconstruction. So hang in there and dont forgt if you need to vent this is the best place we have all been in the same place at  some time.

    Sending you hugs and positive thoughtsxxxxxx